One of the questions we are asked most often is how many fire extinguishers a business needs. The answer surprises people: there is no fixed legal number. The law asks you to provide appropriate firefighting equipment based on your fire risk assessment, and the industry has developed sensible guidelines to help you decide.
What the law says
In England and Wales, the Regulatory Reform (Fire Safety) Order 2005 requires the responsible person to provide suitable firefighting equipment. It does not set out numbers. That decision comes from your fire risk assessment, which looks at your building, what is stored and used inside, and who is in it.
A common rule of thumb
Industry guidance, based on the British Standard for the selection and positioning of portable extinguishers, commonly starts from:
- one 13A-rated water extinguisher for every 200 square metres of floor area, and
- at least two extinguishers on each floor, in smaller premises sometimes fewer, so that you are not blocking the way out.
This is a starting point, not a legal limit. Your risk assessment may need more, particularly in areas of higher risk.
Choosing the right type
Different fires need different extinguishers. Using the wrong type can make things worse. Typical choices are:
- Water or foam: for ordinary combustible materials such as paper, wood and textiles. Foam also suits flammable liquids.
- CO2: for electrical equipment and flammable liquids, because it leaves no residue.
- Dry powder: multi-purpose, for a range of fires, but not ideal indoors because of the powder cloud.
- Wet chemical: specifically for cooking oil and fat fires in kitchens.
We explain the colour coding in our guide to extinguisher types and colours.
Where to put them
- On escape routes, near exits and on the way out, not hidden in dead ends.
- In a visible, accessible place, on a wall bracket or stand and with signage, with the carrying handle at a sensible height.
- Near the hazard, but not so close that you could not reach them in a fire. For example, near a workshop or kitchen, not directly beside the equipment.
- In the same place on each floor, so staff know where to look.
Other things that change the number
- Specific risks: kitchens, workshops, plant rooms, server rooms, battery charging and flammable storage.
- Automatic systems: sprinklers or suppression can influence what extra provision is needed.
- Layout: a long corridor, split levels or separate units may need more points.
- Occupants: premises with vulnerable people or sleeping risk need a more careful approach.
Keep them working
Extinguishers must be checked regularly and serviced each year by a competent person, with logbook entries to show it. If you are not sure whether you have the right equipment, we can assess your premises and supply and service what you need through our fire extinguisher service.
Frequently asked questions
Is there a legal minimum number of fire extinguishers?
No fixed number is set in law. The responsible person decides what is appropriate based on a fire risk assessment, using the size of the premises, the fire risks and how people use the building.
How far should anyone be from an extinguisher?
A common guide is that, in a low-risk workplace, someone should not have to travel more than about 30 metres to reach a suitable extinguisher.
Do I need training to use a fire extinguisher?
Staff who may be expected to use one should be trained. Extinguishers are for tackling small fires safely or clearing an escape route, and people should never put themselves at risk.